AN: Funny story—I was googling Taylor Lautner images and I actually found one with his hair blue. Check it out at http:/www. twistmagazine. com/upload/2008/12/Taylor%20L. jpg [without the spaces]. Only thing is Jacob in my story still has long hair. I had a lot of fun writing the ending to this chapter. I really hope you like it. Thanks to all my reviewers. I love you all.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Bad Reputation, or Grease.
Chapter 15 You Need a Date
On Monday at school the new buzz was about Katie's party. Things with Rose took a turn for the worse. She was quiet during lunch. Any boy that approached her for a date she refused or flat out ignored. It wasn't like she was a flirt or had a date every day of the week, but she always had a story on Monday about a guy she had a date with or met over the weekend. Her somber attitude was bringing the group down.
"Rose you need to go out with someone," I mentioned to her after a few days into the week. "You're too good to stay home."
"I don't want to. I am fine with staying home. It's safe there."
"Safe? Are you worried something will happen?"
"Not really. My brain knows it will be okay, but if I even think about going out my heart speeds up and I start to sweat. I begin to breathe funny and I get light-headed," she tried to explain.
"A panic attack? You get a panic attack," I questioned.
"Yes, exactly."
"Maybe if you just tried, it would go away," I suggested.
"No. I don't think I could do it."
"Is it something specific? Like is it large crowds or dark places. Maybe it's because you don't know the boy?"
"No I think it's everything. What if my date leaves again?" she stated.
"You could always call any of us before he goes. We'll come."
"But in the mean time, something could happen."
"If that's what bothers you, we could do a double date. You and whomever and me and Volcano. You know Volcano will protect you," I offered.
"I don't want to be a burden to you guys."
"You won't be a burden. We'll go Saturday—"
"No," she claimed firmly.
"But what if—"
"I said NO!" She got up and walked away. Angela followed her.
*0*
The next day I had a stroke of genius. I went to find Emmett.
"Hi Muscles."
"Hey," he responded confused and turned to look to each of his sides. I never initiated a conversation with him before without Jacob present.
"Um, I need you to do me a favor."
"Why does this sound like I'm going to regret this?"
"I just want you to ask out my friend Rose," I said to calm him.
"Oh, well in that case, no."
"What? Why not?"
"Because she has a nice face, a beautiful body, and a load of baggage."
"Come on," I begged. "So she has issues because of the attack. You could help her. She's refusing to date anyone."
"What makes you think she'll date me?"
"She's worried she'll be in a threatening situation again with no help. You and Volcano were there to rescue her. I think if Rose was with you, she'll feel safe."
He waited for a moment glancing around again. "Wouldn't she feel safe if you and Volcano just doubled with her?"
"I tried that," I stated. "She doesn't want to be a burden she said. Please? Just ask her. What harm could it do? If she said no, it wouldn't change anything, but if she said yes . . . . You were there. You know the fear floating in her head."
He sighed once. "Okay, but if she agrees, you'll owe me."
"If she ends up liking you," I winked, "you'll owe me."
*0*
At lunch that day the girls and I sat in the cafeteria as usual. Jacob participated in chemistry class today, raising his hand to give the right answer. Those tutoring sessions were beginning to work. I had brought breaded chicken cutlet and a big cookie for lunch. My digestive system was thanking me for the regular diet of edible food I had been consuming recently. Jacob and Emmett joined us twenty minutes in.
"Oh look a cookie." Jacob made a grab.
I slapped his hand. "Ask first." I covered the cookie with my hand.
"Ow! I can't believe you hit me," he laughed.
"Ask first," I said firmly. I was getting tired of losing my dessert.
Jacob narrowed his eyes. "Please," he said with a shrewd tone.
"Go ahead." I passed the cookie to him. He broke it in half and left me one.
"Hello Rose," Emmett began politely. "How is everything?"
"Fine," she spoke facing him.
"I was wondering if you wanted to go out Saturday night."
She briskly turned to me with narrowed eyes. I knew I was in trouble. She looked at Emmett. "No. I'm not some loser that needs someone to fix her up." She turned back to me. "I don't want a date, okay!" she yelled.
She got up from the table and headed out of the cafeteria.
"A simple no would have been fine," he told me.
"My fault. I'm sorry." I got up and went after her. I got to the door just in time to spot her enter the ladies room. I decided to give her some space.
*0*
During the weekend I was in a mood. Rose was ignoring me and I told the others to leave me be. All phone calls went straight to voicemail. Jacob came over for a movie Saturday night—my parents went out for the evening. We made out a little on the couch, but it didn't escalate to more than that. I was too distracted.
"You have a really nice house," he spoke trying to draw my attention as the movie was coming to an end.
"Thanks. This thing with Rose has really irked me."
"Irked?"
"It means upset," I explained.
"I know. It's on the English vocabulary list. I just never heard anyone use the word before. Don't let her get you down. I'm sure she'll come around." He pulled me into a hug.
"I was only trying to help. You know she hasn't smiled in weeks. WEEKS! I just want the old Rose back."
"Look the movie's over and I assume your parents will be back soon. So unless you plan on telling them about me, I'd better head off," he muttered.
"I guess so. Sorry I wasn't much fun tonight," I apologized.
"Hey, you're always fun." He dipped his head for one of his phenomenal kisses and ran his hand up my face. "Goodnight."
We both got up. "I'll walk you out," I offered like a good hostess.
*0*
On Monday the morning went as usual. It was lunchtime when everything spiraled off. I sat uncomfortably at the lunch table. I was still worried about Rosalie, as were the rest of us. She hadn't spoken to any of us since Friday's "episode." I asked how everyone's weekend went; hoping Rose would finally say something. Even if it was an angry yell, it would be better than the silent treatment. She still kept quiet and seemed to avoid making eye contact with anyone. I perceived a teardrop roll down her face as Asia went through her date with Conner.
"Rose, are you okay?" I asked.
She shook her head. "I don't think I could continue on. I really think I'm broken."
"Rose you're not. You just need to take your time," Angela said. "And no one should push you." She looked at me with a stern expression.
"I didn't mean any harm. I just wanted her to get her groove back. I want her to be happy again."
"Just leave me alone," Rose mumbled. She got up and left the table.
After a few minutes Mike came over to sit down beside me.
"Hey girls. Hi Bella."
"Hi Mike. I heard your match is this Thursday."
"Yeah that's why I dropped in. You all planning on coming, right?" he queried.
"We wouldn't miss it," I lied through my teeth.
I hadn't noticed Jacob come up behind us with Paul. His hands hovered above Mike's shoulders.
"Great." Mike was satisfied and got up to leave. Jacob pressed down. Mike looked up and gulped loudly.
"You know I've tolerated this long enough," Jacob uttered. He grabbed one of Mike's arms while Paul grabbed the other. They lifted him up.
"Jacob!" I yelled. He looked at me.
"We were just helping him on his way," he stated sweetly.
"He was just reminding us of his match on Thursday, which I'm looking forward to seeing," I said briskly.
"Me too," Mike pouted. Jacob let go of Mike and Paul followed. Mike fixed his Varsity sweatshirt and sighed in relief. "Bye Bella. Ladies, always a pleasure." He went on his way a little too quickly.
Jacob sat down. "What's wrong with you?" I lectured. Paul sat down on my other side.
"He likes you," Jacob uttered.
"Well tell me something I don't know. He's my friend and now because of you, I have to go to his wrestling match."
"You didn't want to?" he asked.
"Of course not. Why would I want to watch two sweaty boys try to beat each other up? You know me better than that," I retorted.
"If you guys are done bullying people around," Angela spoke up, "we are trying to have lunch."
"Right," Paul added. Quick as a rabbit he took my apple.
I turned to him. "Hey!" Then Jacob stole my salad. "Heeey!" I complained. They both stood up as if rehearsed. I was doubly robbed. I should've figured he'd come up with a plan this time.
Jacob leaned down and pecked my cheek. "Thanks."
I placed my fingers to where his lips just touched and blushed. "You're welcome."
"Do you think Rose is all right? She's been gone for a while," Asia wondered.
We tossed our lunch containers when we were through and went searching for Rose. After searching the ladies room, we each split up. I went to check the main hallway classrooms. Angela headed for the stairwells and Asia the outdoor school perimeter. We figured she couldn't have gone too far. I peeked into each room as I passed, asking the occupants if they'd seen Rosalie Hale. They all shrugged.
One room I could tell through the door window was dark. I came to it figuring it was worth checking. Inside I got a big surprise. Rose was in there kissing Emmett.
"Omigosh!" I exclaimed. They broke apart. "I'm sorry. I was just worried—"
"It's fine," she interrupted. She wiped the tears from her eyes and walked out. I looked at Emmett. He averted his eyes. I went after her.
"What just happened in there?" I interrogated.
"None of your business," she snapped.
I pulled at her arm forcing her to stop her speed walk. "Are you okay? Should I have Volcano kick his ass?"
She smiled. I was caught off-guard by it. "No it isn't necessary. I think things are going to be better for me from now on."
"I'm glad." I hugged her. "I missed you."
We went to find the others. She swore me to secrecy about finding her kissing Emmett in the classroom, but she did share that she will be going out with Emmett on Friday. Asia and Angela were very surprised.
*0*
That night I made Rosalie fess up what really happened on the threat of squealing about her classroom rendezvous. Her explanation was so 'fated' and romantic it affected my dreams that night.
The girls and I were at school sitting in the cafeteria, while Jacob and the stooges were outside lounging on the front lawn. Jacob asks Emmett how it happened that he got a date with Rose. Oddly enough I'm asking Rose the same question. And then everything breaks into the song from Grease.
[Emmett]
Saturday mornin' had me a blast
[Rosalie]
Saturday noon happened so fast
[Emmett]
I helped Rosalie be worry free
[Rosalie]
Emmett McCarty taught me karate
[Both]
Week days pass in a haze, but uh-oh when one moment counts
[Everyone]
Uh Well-a well-a well-a huh
[Boys]
Tell me more, tell me more
[Paul]
Is she good at the fight?
[Girls]
Tell me more, tell me more
[Asia]
Are you seeing him tonight?
[Everyone]
Uh-huh doo-do uh-huh doo-do uh-huh doo-doo-doo-do uh-huh
[Emmett]
She took a step and flipped me twice
[Rosalie]
He hurt his butt, but the kiss was so nice
[Emmett]
She got scared, wanted to run
[Rosalie]
I wasn't used to all of the fun
[Both]
School days pass in a haze, but uh-oh when one moment counts
[Everyone]
Uh well-a well-a well-a huh
[Girls]
Tell me more, tell me more
[Angela]
Did you speak on Sunday?
[Boys]
Tell me more, tell me more
[James]
Did you find her okay?
[Music slows]
[Rosalie]
I turned colder - that's when it hits
[Emmett]
So I told her we really should kiss
[Rosalie]
Then we made our plans for the weekend
[Emmett]
I really should thank Rosalie's friend
[Both]
Every day seeing them in the hall,
bu-ut oh, when one mo-ment changes it all...
[Everyone]
Tell me more, tell me more!
AN: Well I hope you all found that entertaining. Bella certainly did. Next chapter will be your choice. It could be an outtake, so you will know what really happened between Emmett and Rosalie. Or it could be a continuation of the story. Send me your choice and don't forget to review. Personally, I would want the outtake, but that is just me.